ONE of the most established fruit and vegetable importers in the country has moved its headquarters to Kent.

Victoria Trading, which has been importing fresh produce since 1928 and supplies several of the biggest supermarket groups, including Tesco and Sainsbury's, has taken property in Kings Hill, near Maidstone. Its management team will be based on the premises.

The company, which has an annual turnover of £22m, supplies fruit and vegetables sourced from the Canary Islands, Spain and Poland. It is the largest supplier of cucumbers from the Canary Islands during the winter when northern European stocks are unavailable.

Tony Zerpa-Falcon, managing director, said: "We were delighted to find that Kings Hill can accommodate companies requiring only a small headquarters operation, as well as the larger corporates.

"The business park provides a world-class environment for our management team and employees, which is easily accessible and with good motorway links and access to airports, which we need to service our frequent buying trips overseas."

Nick Condon, project director of Kings Hill developer Rouse Kent Ltd, said: "We are delighted that Victoria Trading has chosen Kings Hill as its headquarters and that we were able to offer flexible terms."

Victoria Trading has taken a five-year lease.